Parents tell La Mesa–Spring Valley board to remove menstrual-product dispensers from elementary boys’ restrooms

Several parents used the board’s public-comment period on June 10 to urge La Mesa–Spring Valley officials to remove menstrual‑product dispensers from boys’ restrooms at elementary schools.

Brad Sollenberger described the state law that mandates access to feminine hygiene products and said he supports access for students in need but objected to dispensers in boys’ bathrooms at elementary campuses. "We support the social determinants of education and provision of feminine hygiene products for economically disadvantaged middle‑aged school girls," Sollenberger said, adding that expanding dispensers into boys’ restrooms "goes beyond the research" and "risks the physical safety of boys."

Fran Meredith, a parent at Rolando Elementary, said parents were not consulted and called the visibility of tampon boxes in elementary restrooms "disturbing." "This can and should be simply solved by keeping menstrual products out of the boys' bathroom and the girls' bathroom and with the into the nurse's office when they need it," Meredith said. She cited Education Code 35292.6 and acknowledged the district's effort to follow the law while urging a different implementation.

Board members did not take immediate action during the public comment period; the comments were recorded for board consideration during relevant policy or operational discussions.

What happens next: the board did not vote on any policy changes at the meeting. The board may direct staff to research implementation options, communication plans to families, or legal interpretations of Education Code 35292.6.